E90-Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time: Spring Forward

When daylight saving time arrives on the second Sunday of March, the clocks spring forward and most people suddenly lose an hour of sleep. While a one-hour shift might not sound like much, this sudden change can disrupt your circadian rhythm, affect your sleep schedule, and impact your body’s internal clock.

Research from sleep experts—including findings discussed in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine and commentary from organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine—shows that seasonal time changes can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, energy levels, and even mental health. Some studies have even linked the annual change to increases in traffic accidents, heart attacks, and emergency room visits in the days following the shift.

Why does this happen? Your circadian clock depends heavily on light exposure to regulate your sleep cycle. When the clocks change and evening light extends later into the night, your internal body clock can struggle to adjust to the new schedule.

In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise explains how daylight saving time affects sleep quality, sleep routines, and the timing of other daily routines like meals and wake-up time. She also shares 6 simple strategies to help your body adapt to the new time.

Whether you’re experiencing sleep disruption, fatigue, or struggling to maintain enough hours of sleep after the clocks change, these 6 simple adjustments can help your body transition more smoothly!

🎙️ Listen to Episode #90 here! ⬇️

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your routine.